Ayurveda For Animals

India’s Ayurveda, meaning “science of life,” (from the Sanskrit veda for “science” and ayur for “life”) is perhaps the oldest system of holistic medicine, originating in 6,000 BC. Though human westerners have increasingly looked to the healthy wisdom that Ayurveda offers, few are aware that their animals and pets can benefit just as much from the alternative, natural supplements and lifestyle practices as they can.

As mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts, early veterinary medicine focused on animal welfare, treatment therapies, management and surgery. Sali Hotra was the first to be credited as an animal healer and wrote Ayurveda Materia Medica in veterinary medicine.

Ayurvedic herbs and modality have been in use for thousands of years with safety and efficiency proving its track record. Though most Ayur- vedic products are based on body energetics, to the western mind, it should be clear that most Ayurvedic herbs are well researched with basic and clinical research. Combinations of herbal products balance the energetics of other herbs leading to a balanced product.

What’s Your Pet’s Body Type (Prakriti)?

If you own a dog, you may be accustomed to referring to it as large, medium or small. But in Ayurveda, body types are more complex than that. Body typing is a unique concept in Ayurvedic medicine, based on the five elements theory. Determining your pet’s body type allows you to learn how to create balance in their mind, body and spirit, thereby a lowing your pet to achieve and maintain optimal health. Moreover, when your pets are functioning at optimal levels, they benefit not only themselves, but also the world around them. Your pets affect the people and places around them in a positive way. Indeed, your pets’ well-being has a great effect on everything and everyone they come across.

In individuals and pets, the five elements manifest as the Tridosha. Dosha means “protective,” or, when out of balance, “disease-producing.” The Tridosha are the three humors, or metabolic forces that make up the mind and body. They are called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

At the time of fertilization, permutations of Vata, Pitta and Kapha determine the constitution of any living being. These three metabolic forces control all biological, psychological, and physiopathological functions of the body, mind, and consciousness and have subtle properties. These forces determine personality traits, and physiological structure, with the influence of gender and other important factors such as diet, lifestyle, behavior, emotions, seasons, and so on.

The unique individual constitution produces natural urges and individual tastes in food, flavor and temperature. The doshas govern the maintenance and destruction of bodily tissue and the elimination of waste products. They are also responsible for psychological phenomena, including emotions of fear, anger, and greed as well as the highest order of emotions: understanding, compassion, and love.

Functions of the Tridosha

A balance of the dosha is necessary for optimal health. The doshas increase by similar properties and are diminished by the opposite ones. For example, Vata is dry, light, and cold; so any food, medicine, or behavior that increases these qualities will increase Vata within the body. Conversely, oily, heavy, or hot factors will decrease Vata.

Together, the doshas govern all metabolic activities; anabolism (Kapha), catabolism (Vata), and metabolism (Pitta). There can be up to ten different constitutions, depending upon the permutation and combination of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The combination of the three humors remains unchanged throughout a pet’s lifetime but can respond to environmental changes such as diet and lifestyle, thereby providing the opportunity for the pet to maintain health or compromise it.

Ten Dosha Combinations

Vata Pitta-Vata

Pitta Pitta-Kapha

Kapha Kapha-Pitta

Vata-Kapha Kapha-Vata

Vata-Pitta Vata-Pitta-Kapha

VATA PETS

Vata is considered the leader of the three Ayurvedic Principles in the body. Vata governs all movement in the mind and body. It controls blood flow, elimination of wastes, breathing and the movement of thoughts across the mind. It’s very important to keep Vata in good balance. The related elements are Air and Ether.Common characteristics of pets who have a predominantly Vata constitution:

Mental quickness

Highly intelligent

Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also quick to forget

Slenderness; lightest of the three body types

Runs and walks quickly

Tendency toward cold paws, discomfort in cold climates

Excitable, lively, fun personality

Changeable moods

Irregular daily routine

Variable appetite and digestive efficiency

High energy in short bursts; tendency to tire easily and to overexert

Full of joy and enthusiasm when in balance

Respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance

Pets of Vata constitution are generally physically slender and small- framed. Their chests are flat with their veins and muscle tendons visible. The skin is cool, rough, dry and cracked. Vata pets generally are either taller or shorter than average, with thin frames that reveal prominent joints and bone-ends because of small muscle development. The eyes may be sunken, small, dry, and active. The nails are rough and brittle. The shape of the nose is bent and in some cases turned-up.

Physiologically, the appetite and digestion are variable. The production of urine is scanty and the feces are dry, hard, and small in quantity. Their sleep may be disturbed and they will sleep less than the other types. Their paws are often cold.

Psychologically, they are characterized by short memories but quick mental understanding. They will understand something immediately, but will soon forget it. They sometimes lack determination, tend toward mental instability, and are sensitive to tolerance, confidence, or boldness. Vata pets are nervous, fearful at times, and afflicted by much anxiety.

PITTA PETS

Pitta is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These forces represent transformation. Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, the luster of the eyes, intelligence, and understanding. Psychologically, Pitta arouses anger and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin are the seats of Pitta. Common characteristics of pets who have a predominantly Pitta body type:

Medium physique, strong, well-built

Sharp mind, good powers of concentration

Focused

Assertive, self-confident; aggressive, demanding, pushy when out of balance

Competitive, enjoy challenge

Strong digestion, strong appetite; get irritated if they have to miss or wait for a meal

These pets are of medium build, are slender, and their body frame may be delicate. They show a medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons. The bones are not as prominent as in the Vata pet. Muscle development is moderate.

The fur is soft and warm. The eyeballs will be of medium prominence. The claws are softer. The shape of the nose is sharp. Physiologically, these pets have a strong metabolism, good digestion and resulting strong appetites. The animal of Pitta constitution usually takes large quantities of food and liquid. Their sleep is of medium duration but uninterrupted. They produce a large volume of urine. The body temperature may run slightly high, and their paws will tend to be warm. Pitta pets do not tolerate sunlight or heat well.

Psychologically, Pitta pets have good powers of comprehension; they are very intelligent and sharp. They have emotional tendencies toward hate, anger, and jealousy.

KAPHA PETS

Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is both structure and lubrication. One can visualize the Kapha force as the stirring force that keeps the water and the earth from separating. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constituent of Kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological strength and natural tissue resistance in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigor, and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs, and maintains immunity.

Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body, such as mucus. Psychologically, Kapha is responsible for the emotions of attachment and greed. It is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. The chest is the seat of Kapha. Common characteristics of pets who have a predominantly Kapha constitution:

Pets of Kapha constitution have well-developed bodies. There is, however, a strong tendency for these individuals to carry excess weight. Their chests are expanded and broad. The veins and tendons of Kapha pets are not obvious because of their thick skin and their muscle development is good. The bones are not prominent.

The fur is soft, lustrous, and oily, and skin texture is cold and pale. The fur is thick, dark, soft, and wavy. The eyes are dense, large, and attractive. Physiologically, Kapha pets have regular appetites. Due to slow digestion, they tend to consume less food. Stools are soft and may be pale in color, evacuation is slow. Sleep is sound and prolonged. There is a strong vital capacity evidenced by good stamina, and Kapha pets are generally healthy, happy and peaceful.

Psychologically, they tend to be tolerant, calm, forgiving, and loving: however, they also exhibit traits of greed, attachment and possessive- ness. Their comprehension is slow but definite: once they understand something, that knowledge is retained.

Other body types are a combination and permutation of the dosha present in them. Life is considered a sacred path in Ayurveda; a ceaseless interaction between the internal Tridosha, environment and the external environment, or the sum of cosmic forces. To counterbalance external change, a pet lover may create a balance for their pet in the internal forces by altering his or her diet, lifestyle, and behavior.

Diet by Dosha

In Ayurveda, food is medicine and medicine is food, and it is important to consider the right ingredients, proportions, freshness and seasonality, promoting balance with foods that counter or diminish the excess dosha. If you choose to change your pets’ diets, please do so in increments, taking about three weeks to switch them over to a more wholesome alternative.

In addition to the pet’s dosha, keep in consideration whether the animal is a larger or smaller breed, active or a couch potato. Below are a few specific food recommendations based on either vata, pitta or kapha canines.

Vata (e.g. Greyhound dog) – Vata dogs run cool and dry and should avoid beans, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, and potatoes. Feed them warming foods such as beef, along with washed and pureed carrots and squashes although they can be quickly blanched then pureed for enhanced digestion.

Avoid ghee as it is hard for animals to digest and can lead to pancreatitis. (Use fish oil instead.) For pets experiencing digestive issues, they can be fed the Ayurvedic dish “kitcheree” made with white basmati rice and mung beans. Spices can include black pepper, cumin and coriander, with a slight bit of hing for Vata dogs.

Pitta (e.g. Pitbull) – As Pitta dogs tend to run warm, avoid foods that provoke warmth. They do well with cooling foods including meats such as duck, and chicken breasts; dairy products such as cottage cheese, and even tofu. Fresh pureed veggies such as leafy greens are beneficial as well.

Kapha (e.g. overweight Golden Retriever) – For the heavy-set Kapha pet, the diet should contain more wholesome foods such as fresh veggies. Avoid starch, grains and fat, and additives such as molasses and corn syrup. Veggies should include carrots, squash and pumpkin and should always be washed, raw and pureed.

Herbs

The most common herbs and spices for pets include turmeric, cumin and coriander powders for balancing digestion. Try dried or fresh ginger for Vata pets, cumin and coriander for Pitta, and turmeric for Kapha. Take care not to be overindulge, as a 60 lb. dog only needs 1/8 of a teaspoon of any given herb.

For hyperactive dogs, ashwagandha has a calming effect (also a wonderful herb for humans!) These types of dogs also need to keep active. Some types of dogs are considered working dogs by breed (i.e. cattle dogs) and need to have a “job” that keeps them involved and moving.

Just remember most Ayurvedic principles that can apply to humans also apply to your pets. Provide them with an environment and nutrition that balances their doshas and they are sure to become a harmonious member of your family, contributing their unique gifts that express their dosha in its most beneficial form.

Dr. Tejinder Sodhi graduated from the College of Veterinary Science in Punjab, India in 1983. Dr. Sodhi came to the United States in 1985, where he did his ECFVG certification with the American Veterinary Association and opened his own clinic in Lynnwood, Washington, The Animal Wellness Center with clients coming to him from throughout Washington State and even from the East coast of the United States and Canada. In 1996, Dr. Sodhi opened his second location in Bellevue, WA. Dr. Sodhi is also president of the first ever chapter of Holistic Veterinarians in the state of Washington. As president, he works to promote Holistic care in the field.